Level 1

22 points

M1 Macbook air external display issues with usb-c

My M1 MacBook air is having issue when connecting to my 4k Asus pa279cv display over usb-c to usb-c cable directly to the usb-c DisplayPort, but it is okay when connecting to HDMI port with usb-c hub.

The monitor supports 65w and DisplayPort 1.2 and it should be fine as I tested it with with 2016 MacBook Pro 13" and 2020 Intel MacBook air.

So I start to guess it would be the m1 issue and I reserved Genius Bar to fix my computer.

However it just fine when plugin to the LG 5k Display in the apple store.

After that, I tested it again at home.

I notice that it pops up a message "Unplug the accessory using too much power to re-enable USB devices", but my monitor is charging up the Mac properly.

Lastly, I found that it is occasionally work with the usb-c to usb-c cable to the monitor.

And it could not connect again when the the Mac disconnected with the monitor.

I am frustrated with the situation, and my Mac just arrived serval days.

MacBook Air

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 7:07 AM

Top-ranking reply

steve.damico

Level 1

14 points

Posted on May 14, 2021 7:59 AM

Hey sparrowhawk360,

Initially, I just ran the monitor firmware update (PA279CVFWUpdateToolV019) and everything worked fine. Since I had the Hub firmware update (PA279CVHubPDFWupdateforMacOS) handy I ran it as well so that it's all up to date. When I ran the Hub firmware it didn't recognize the USB C connection. After a brief freak-out, reboot, trying to re-run the monitor firmware update (which didn't work because it was already updated) and few on/off it resolved itself and is now working fine.

Note that the most recent firmware update is v019: https://www.asus.com/us/Displays-Desktops/Monitors/ProArt/ProArt-Display-PA279CV/HelpDesk_Download/

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66 replies

Alfredmm1 Author

Level 1

22 points

Jun 16, 2021 10:19 AM in response to steve.damico

Thanks~ it work

Dec 16, 2020 4:45 AM in response to Alfredmm1

I have noticed the same behaviour - using a USB-C to DisplayPort connection or a USB-C hub (with HDMI). After a while, the external display blacks out and the display reverts to the internal laptop display only (MacBook Air M1, 512GB). What seems to make a difference is whether my MacBook is connected to power or running on battery. When on power, the display is fine and consistent. When on battery, I have the display problem. It is a mains-powered monitor, so shouldn't be drawing any power via USB-C. So for me, plugging in the external power solves the problem.

Dec 18, 2020 3:05 AM in response to Alfredmm1

I have the same issue with my brand new Mac Mini M1. For me it works over HDMI but not over USB-C/Thunderbold.

I'm using a brand new LG 4K Monitor (32UN88a). Sometimes it recognise my display somehow when I unplug and reconnect the cable many many times by switching between the two USB-C-Ports. But after a restart it doesn't recognise my monitor anymore. I'm hoping that this is just a software issue and Apple can fix soon. It is really frustrating.

Dec 30, 2020 10:06 AM in response to Alfredmm1

Hello! I just got a M1 Air 16gb RAM and 1TB HDD before Christmas. Was so happy. Unfortunately, i'm unable to get a proper resolution with my external display (Acer CB342CK 34 inch). I called their technical support. After 1 hour and three representatives, I asked a way to write and send my problem because they weren't understanding what I was talking about. One of them told me that the Air M1 doesn't support 3440 x 1440 at 60hz. Really?

The result of my tests. I have two different docks and they both work well with my windows PC or my cell phone. This is different with the new Air M1.

With dock #1 :

Windows - I get a resolution of 3440 x 1440 at 60 hz :

Mac - I get a resolution of 3440 x 1440 at 30 hz (stable) :

With dock #2 :

Windows - I get a resolution of 3440 x 1440 at 60 hz :

Mac - I’m unable to get the external display to work. After several tries, I got once 3440 x 1440 at 75 hz which is pretty well (see image). Unfortunately, I was unable to get it twice. The Mac is searching continually until I unplug the display, so don’t work.

So, what I will do? I'm waiting until January, but it seems I will return it if I don't get any feedback for a solution.

mydy

Level 1

15 points

Aug 20, 2021 7:00 AM in response to mlorin

So it seems it's not only me who is having issues with M1 MacBook and USB-C. In my case USB hub in external monitor doesn't work if I start my MacBook with USB-C cable already connected (this concerns normal startup or rebooting, fortunately after waking up from sleep USB hub works fine). Whole thread if anyone is interested: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253057841?page=1

Qjb8668

Level 1

16 points

Nov 15, 2021 3:33 AM in response to giorgioXV

Yes, my asus can not display 10 bits color. The monitor is pa279cv.

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M1 Macbook air external display issues with usb-c